Tinkerbell (oz6306)

About this Plan

Tinkerbell. Radio control sport biplane model for Cox TD .020 engine.

Quote: "A diminutive sports biplane with a sparkling performance and all the enchantment of an aerial Leprechaun, you can build it in a week of nights, and the total airframe costs - assuming you haven't sufficient spare balsa in your 'bits box' - will only be a few dollars. In fact, it is a fine way to employ all of these odd pieces of balsa and plywood that you never thought you would find a use for.

When I designed the full size Tinker (oz8754) some 20 years ago, I never anticipated that a kit would still be available or that the plan would still be in the ASP Plans range. However it is a simple and cheerful low-tech model and appeals to the average club flier, it also has very pleasant flying characteristics and will take a fair amount of abuse. Designed for .09 engines, I have seen it grossly overpowerd with .29 and .35s - it also performs well on floats.

Perhaps it is a sign of old age creeping on, but I suddenly had a yen to create some of those earlier R/C days and decided to achieve this by designing a half-size Tinker. In Britain I tend to be associated with large models and this design would perhaps persuade the 'small minded' modelers that there are aeromodelers and aermodelers - whether the models are large, small, R/C, U-control, or free flight should not matter.

If it is sometime since you built a small, conventionally constructed model then prepare yourself for a slice of enjoyment. The essential smallness of the model and components make it fascinating, and the achievement in accurate cutting and assembly is most rewarding. With a couple or wing panels pinned to the board (the pins suddenly look huge), and the fuselage taking shape you can go to bed with a smile on your face.

Naturally, with a model of such diminutive dimensions you will need to fit radio equipment of micro size. I used a British Fleet system with the receiver double banked, two microservos wired direct, a 50 mAh battery pack, mini-toggle switch and charging socket. No doubt a Cannon system or one of the other mini systems now on the market would suit just as well.

For power, the obvious choice is the Cox TD .020, a super little engine with good power output and easy handling characteristics. It is good to see that this engine has been joined again by the .010 version - another little gem.

In these days of photo copiers you have the choice of copying the various components and gluing - 3M spray adhesive - to the wood for cutting out, or you can use one of the conventional means of transferring the pattern onto the material. For the wing ribs. I suggest you cut a 1/32 plywood template and cut around this for the numerous ribs. I did cut some of the ribs from 1/32 balsa but the weight saving is barely worth the effort.

Two things are important if you are going to finish up with a model that not only looks 'dinky' but also flies well, and they are to select materials carefully and cut and glue accurately. Because the materials are small in dimensions there is a tendency ho go for hard balsa, there is no need to..."

Update 26/04/2015: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy, thanks to theshadow.

Update 04/01/2021: Added build log, thanks to Nick Ward.

Supplementary file notes

Article.
Build log.

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